How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Panel)
Quote #7
A national public distribution system gives citizens portions [of food] based on their loyalty and usefulness to the regime. (3.96)
Over 5 million people receive no aid. That’s a lot of people dubbed “useless population.” For a country that supposedly only cranks out perfection, why are so many people “useless”?
Quote #8
They live in a state of constant paradox where truth is anything but constant. (5.74)
Guy follows up this quote with panel showing an illustration of a wind-up doll with two keys, suggesting that the North Korean translators and guides are getting wound up on both ends. They’re forced to see two totally opposite viewpoints, but they’re also forced to rationalize these opposite viewpoints—and still maintain their sanity.
Quote #9
“You have to turn down your jazz! It could have a bad influence on others.” (6.73)
Guy thinks this statement, spoken by his translator, is ridiculous—and maybe it is, since no one is even around to listen. But North Korea is a place that uses music to influence its citizens. Music does have an influence on people; it’s scary to Guy’s translator because he knows how dangerous it can be in certain circumstances.